What is Virtualisation?

Briefly, virtualisation allows a physical device to run several virtual instances.  There are great benefits of virtualisation in terms of both time and resources and the greatest benefits are in terms of hardware and operating. It reduces the need for electricity, cooling, space and warranties, while it is faster to create and install new servers and facilitate any error handling. 

There are different types of virtualisation, including virtual computers, virtual Desktops (VDI) and virtual applications. This article will focus on the benefits of dealing with asset management software for virtual computers.

The challenge
When it comes to operating and hardware, virtualisation leads rapidly to significant cost savings however for licenses the situation is different. The environments are often more complex, making it difficult to create an overview and have control over the licensing requirement.

In addition, server licenses often have complicated rules making it difficult to know what actually has the right to run under their license. A further problem is that in many cases it is difficult to know on which physical computer the virtual machines are running. Currently, most software asset management tools have poor support for the management of virtual environments and virtual asset management software.

Big money to save
When there are major challenges- why should you choose to work actively with asset management software in virtual environments? The answer is simple: There is big money to save. Without control, the costs of operating systems and database applications will be high, but through optimal license distribution, you can save much.

What are the applicable licensing rules?

• Microsoft SQL Server
  Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise (both CAL-based and processor-based) gives the right to run an infinite number of virtual instances of SQL Server Enterprise on the licensed physical server. A processor based license requires that the license has coverage for all processors in the physical server. For CAL-based licensing the cost will always be additional to the numbers of users or devices.
   
  
• Windows Server
  Windows Server Enterprise allows you run four virtual instances of Windows Server on top of your physical server.
  

Learn more about Microsoft’s licensing rules for virtual instances

• 5 pc licenses of Windows Server Enterprise (estimated price 2 000 € each)
• 5 pc licenses of SQL Server Enterprise (estimated price 15 000 € each)

• 1 license of  Windows Server Enterprise (estimated to 2000 €
• 1 Licens of SQL Server Enterprise (estimated to 25 000 €)

In total a cost of 27 000 €, which is more than a hundred thousande Euros lower than the previous estimation.

With the right licensing model and the right inventor, there is a potential for significant cost savings for organizations that are running virtual computers. Virtualisation can provide positive effects and cost savings not only for the operation, cooling and electricity but also for the licenses. To be get there, the virtualisation requires a powerful inventory tool that provides the right information and an asset management software system that enables and facilitates the managing of these virtual environments.

Datacenter Licensing

There is more money to save for customers operating in larger and more complex environments where Datacenter is run. Read more about this in the next Newsletter.

Erik Särnbrink

Erik Särnbrink has multiple years of experience with implementation and customisation of SAM tools and processes for Snow's customers.

Contact Snow by phone +44 (0)1344 74 1047 or by email if you want help with improving the management of your virtual server environments.